Arkansas · Caregiver Support
Caring for an aging loved one is one of the hardest jobs there is — and you shouldn't have to do it alone. Below are 33 verified Arkansas programs offering emotional support, respite, training, financial help, peer groups, and legal planning — most of them completely free.
Last updated July 2026
Start here in Arkansas
National Family Caregiver Support Program — Arkansas
One call connects Arkansas family caregivers to free counseling, respite, training, and support groups through their local Area Agency on Aging.
Statewide
Independent nonprofit offering personalized emotional support, printed and online resources, podcasts, and financial assistance to family caregivers of loved ones with dementia or chronic illness.
Founded 1984 — Arkansas-focused organization dedicated entirely to caregiver support
Statewide
Around the clock emotional support, crisis assistance, and resource referrals for dementia caregivers. Available in over 200 languages. Free care consultations also available.
Arkansas Chapter serves all 75 counties statewide
Statewide
Nonprofit community-based healthcare providing education, training, and coaching to support family caregivers. Offers 24-hour telephone support line, caregiver education sessions, and financial assistance.
Local number: 501-748-3333. Serves caregivers beyond end-of-life situations
Statewide
Free 24/7 confidential emotional support for caregivers experiencing distress, burnout, or crisis. Available by call or text anytime.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Statewide
Free 24/7 connection to local health and human services including emotional support, crisis intervention, and caregiver resource referrals across Arkansas.
Call or text 211 anytime — also available online
Statewide
Free respite vouchers for primary caregivers. Covers in-home respite, adult day care, and short-term facility stays. Apply through Arkansas DHS Division of Provider Services and Quality Assurance.
Must be primary caregiver — no income restrictions for basic eligibility
Statewide
Financial grants for qualifying dementia caregivers. May be used for in-home respite care, adult day care, or short-term facility stays. Funded through donations to Alzheimer's Arkansas.
Contact Alzheimer's Arkansas directly to apply — limited funding available
Statewide
Respite grants for qualifying caregivers of individuals with dementia. May be used for in-home respite care, adult day care, or short-term facility stays.
Call Arkansas Chapter to inquire about current grant availability and eligibility
Statewide — 8 regional AAAs
Temporary respite relief for family caregivers through Arkansas Association of Area Agencies on Aging. Some AAAs provide care for loved ones during caregiver support groups. No income restrictions for Alzheimer's caregivers.
Contact your regional AAA — call statewide number to be connected to local office
Statewide
Free volunteer respite provider training through the REST (Respite Education and Support Tools) program. Trains community and faith-based volunteers to provide respite to family caregivers.
Expands pool of trained respite providers in communities across Arkansas
Statewide — search by Arkansas zip code
Searchable database of nearly 3,000 respite providers. Search by Arkansas zip code or county to find local and regional respite options.
Run by ARCH National Respite Network
Statewide — Veterans only
At least 30 days annual respite care for caregivers of eligible veterans enrolled in VA healthcare. Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System and Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks serve Arkansas.
Must be caring for a veteran enrolled in VA healthcare
Statewide — multiple locations
Free workshops for family caregivers covering physical caregiving skills and Alzheimer's/dementia caregiving. Evidence-based curriculum from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Groups of 10+ can schedule at their location.
Free four-hour workshops — can be brought to your community group or faith organization
Statewide — online and in person
Free online dementia caregiver education programs, Alzheimer's Experience tours, and online caregiver support groups facilitated by clinical professionals. HRSA-funded program.
Online programs accessible statewide — particularly valuable for rural Arkansas caregivers
Statewide
Free education programs, online courses, and workshops for dementia caregivers across all 75 Arkansas counties. Care consultations and early stage programs also available.
Virtual options available — call helpline to find programs near you
Statewide
Educational programs, online resources, podcasts, and caregiver training specifically designed for Arkansas families caring for loved ones with dementia or chronic illness.
Arkansas-focused organization — resources tailored to state-specific needs and resources
National — available to all Arkansas caregivers
Comprehensive library of caregiver education including fact sheets, online programs, and Arkansas-specific resource directory. Caregiving 101 and Self-Care for Family Caregivers available free.
No registration required for most online resources
Statewide
Free caregiver tools, guides, and education. AARP Care Guide, financial worksheets, and Arkansas-specific resource connections. Print guide available by calling 877-333-5885.
AARP membership not required for most resources
Statewide
Medicaid self-direction program allowing recipients to hire family members as paid caregivers including adult children. Monthly budget managed by participant. Spouses and legal guardians not eligible.
Must meet Medicaid eligibility for Personal Care or ARChoices Waiver programs
Statewide
Home and community-based Medicaid waiver for adults 65+ and adults 21+ with physical disabilities. Allows family members to be paid caregivers through consumer-directed option.
Contact Choices in Living Resource Center at 866-801-3435 for eligibility information
Statewide — through regional Area Agencies on Aging
Financial grants offering short-term help and respite for family caregivers of seniors 60+. No income restrictions. No age limit for Alzheimer's caregivers. Access through local Area Agency on Aging.
Contact your regional AAA to apply — call statewide number to be connected
Statewide — Veterans only
Monthly stipend ranging from approximately $1,750 to $3,200 for caregivers of eligible veterans with 70%+ service-connected disability. Also includes CHAMPVA health insurance.
Must be caring for veteran with 70%+ service-connected disability rating
Statewide — through regional Area Agencies on Aging
Federal program providing supplemental services, counseling, training, and limited financial assistance to family caregivers through Arkansas AAA network.
Access through your regional Area Agency on Aging
Statewide — in person and online
Support groups for family caregivers of loved ones with dementia or chronic illness. Both in-person and online options available. Focused exclusively on Arkansas caregivers.
Independent Arkansas organization — not affiliated with national Alzheimer's Association
Statewide — in person and virtual
Caregiver support groups across Arkansas including in partnership with UAMS Schmieding Centers. Groups in Little Rock, Jonesboro, Springdale, Texarkana, Magnolia, DeQueen, El Dorado and more.
Call helpline or visit website to find a group near you — ALZConnected online community also available
Statewide — 8 regional AAAs
Caregiver support groups through regional AAAs including specialized Alzheimer's dementia groups, Parkinson's groups, and general caregiver groups. Some AAAs provide care for loved ones during groups.
Northwest Arkansas AAA provides care during groups in Baxter and Boone counties — no pre-registration except care needed
Northwest Arkansas and online statewide
Caregiver support groups including virtual dementia caregiver group on third Tuesday of each month at 12:30pm via Zoom. In partnership with Alzheimer's Association. Open to all Arkansas caregivers.
Virtual group accessible statewide — contact UAMS Schmieding for registration information
National — available to all Arkansas caregivers
Free online peer community of 25,000+ caregivers active 24/7. Share experiences, practical tips, and emotional support with caregivers across the country.
AARP membership not required to join the Facebook group
Statewide — offices in Little Rock, Fayetteville, and other communities
Free civil legal assistance to low-income Arkansas residents including elder law, advance directives, powers of attorney, Medicaid, and housing issues. Medical-Legal Partnership program serves vulnerable residents.
Income eligibility requirements apply — contact for current thresholds
Statewide
Free certified counselors providing unbiased Medicare guidance statewide. Covers Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare supplements, and Part D drug plans for beneficiaries and their caregivers.
Unbiased counseling — not affiliated with insurance industry
Statewide
Arkansas Aging and Disability Resource Center providing free information, counseling, and access to long-term services and supports. Single entry point for seniors, people with disabilities, and caregivers.
Email choicesinliving@arkansas.gov — no wrong door for caregiver services in Arkansas
Statewide
Free advocacy for caregivers with concerns about nursing home or assisted living quality of care. Investigates complaints, resolves concerns, and protects rights of long-term care residents.
Free service — advocates independently on behalf of residents and their families
National — available to all Arkansas caregivers
Online legal planning resources for caregivers covering powers of attorney, advance directives, guardianship, and financial planning. Arkansas-specific resource directory available.
Free online resources — no registration required
Honest answers to what Arkansas family caregivers ask most.
Your care plan keeps every Arkansas caregiver resource — phone numbers, eligibility, and next steps — in one calm, organized place.
Always free — no credit card required.
Source: LTCareNav.com research, updated on July 2026. Programs, phone numbers, and eligibility rules change frequently — please verify contact information directly with each organization before referral. This page is informational and not legal, medical, or financial advice.